ANC members show up for sentencing of Sindiso Magaqa's killer

JOHANNESBURG - The sentencing of one of the men convicted of murdering former African National Congress (ANC)Youth League secretary general Sindiso Magaqa is currently underway at the Pietermaritzburg  High Court.

Sibusiso Ncengwa confessed to being part of a group that killed the former youth league leader in an execution-style in 2017. 

On Monday afternoon, the court gallery was overflowing with African National Congress (ANC) members, who had come to witness the proceedings, including ANC Youth League president Collen Malatji.

The Pietermaritzburg High Court has heard how Magaqa’s family is still reeling from psychological trauma.

State advocate Elvis Gcweka has told the court that since Magaqa’s mom lost her son in 2017, she has not received any counselling. 

He read the Magaqa family statement, which highlights that Magaqa was not only a leader in society but somebody’s child, a brother, a father and a breadwinner.

Gcweka said that Magaqa’s mother cries every time her son’s case is plastered all over the media

“His mother needs counselling and psychological assistance just think about a 71-year-old who is also a diabetic who needs medical treatment. Sindiso was a sole person who was supporting his family.” 

The sentencing continues with the court expecting to hear from Ncwenga’s lawyer. 

The attorney of one of the men convicted of murdering Magaqa said his client’s confession should be considered for leniency when determining his sentencing.

Ncengwa was arrested in 2018, and in his confession, he implicated a former mayor and manager from the Harry Gwala Local Municipality and a journalist from the news publication, Isolezwe.   

His lawyer, Andrew Matlamela, said that his client showed remorse by confessing to the crime.

“The accused did not only plead guilty, he fully disclosed who are the instigators. The motive of the killing was because the deceased wanted to report a corruption.”